Oxford United are hoping for another big crowd for tomorrow’s clash with Eastbourne Borough.

It won’t be anywhere near the size, nor produce anything like the atmosphere, of the last home match, against Luton, but indications are it will be above 7,000.

And that’s what happens when you’re top of the table, and playing well, which the U’s certainly are.

But no-one should assume it will be just another home win.

Eastbourne Borough are a well-run set-up, with ex-Chelsea chief Colin Hutch-inson getting involved in helping to make them so since retiring to the Sussex coast.

There are two good indicators as to why Oxford can expect a very awkward game, unless they are at their best.

The first comes simply from Eastbourne’s results. They recently won 2-0 at Kidder-minster, and any side that does that can be dangerous.

The second factor is that their first-team squad has such depth that this season they have entered the Tote-sport Combination for the first time.

That’s something Oxford United were unable, or chose not, to do.

Eastbourne played their first Combination match this week, against a Millwall Res side with some very experienced players, and drew 0-0.

United boss Chris Wilder said: “Eastbourne came up last year and comfortably handled the league, and will look to improve on their position this season.

“I think they’ll come and try to win the game. They’re one of those clubs, with the manager they’ve got, where they’ll want to come and enjoy the game, and will have a go at winning it.

“They’re not one of those who are fearful of losing or losing heavily and so will do weird and wonderful things to frustrate their opponents.

“I’m expecting them to have a go, which will be a refreshing change from a couple of games we’ve had against teams outside the top ten.”

He said: “The Forest Green game was a difficult one for us because we weren’t great, and if we’re not good on Saturday that opens the door to the opposition, and we don’t want that to happen.”

Seven points clear at the top, United have chalked up eight wins and two draws from their first ten games.

That isn’t yet their best start to a season.

In 2006-7 they also had eight wins and two draws from their first ten games.

In fact, they extended that to ten wins and two draws from their first 12.

What sent them reeling that season was a dismal mid-winter run of 11 games without a victory, and an inability to find the net at home.

The current side look too good to suffer the same fate.

Ex-Oxford midfielder Simon Weatherstone, now 29, joined Eastbourne from Crawley in the summer.

He has been key, scoring vital goals in 1-1 draws against Rushden and at Salisbury.

Wilder said: “I thought our two centre halves were really good at Wrexham.

“They’re going to have to be good this Saturday because Eastbourne have quite a physical presence at the top of the pitch – with Marum and Atkin, two big guys who are a handful.”